Kukla's Korner Hockey

Jacques Martin addressed the media this morning and advised that cuts are to come later today, before the 3 pm NHL deadline. He and GM Pierre Gauthier are still be weighing options ahead of tomorrow’s season opener versus Toronto. The decisions on who stays and who goes have become a bit more difficult due to injuries and illness.

As per the always informative Habsinsideout, Goaltender Carey Price has come down with the flu, and if he is unable to start expect to see Alex Auld between the pipes. Roman Hamrlik has also been ruled out for tomorrow’s game.

I am traveling this afternoon for work, so I will have some commentary on the final cuts late tonight or tomorrow.

Ahead of the final cuts, however, I must state unequivocally that I really, really want to see Ryan White make the team. His physicality and scoring touch brings an edge that few other players on the Habs possess, and he could be very useful against rough and tumble teams such as Thursday’s opponent, the Toronto Maple Leafs. White had a great camp and as far as I’m concerned he’s earned a spot. Who’s spot that is, or whether there is a spot to start with, we’ll have to see.